Verizon Wireless to Shut Down Its App Store in January

Verizon Wireless said Monday that it will close its own app store, which originally launched in March 2010 under the “Verizon Apps” moniker, beginning in January of 2013. The company said that it’s doing so as it begins to evolve its strategy to “further simplify today’s experience and meet the needs of tomorrow.” The wireless carrier will begin to close its store by removing the application from future Android and BlackBerry devices. “We anticipate completing this process by March 27, 2013,” Verizon said. “But, no need to fear. Most apps existing on Verizon Apps are already available on multiple storefronts such as Google PLAY (sic), Amazon and BlackBerry App World.”

Verizon said that it will still offer applications in its Private Applications Store for Business to enterprise customers. Developers won’t lose access to metrics and will still receive payments even as the carrier shuts down the store.